Cutting up
@GardenGerty (160978)
United States
July 16, 2019 6:52pm CST
Before we left for Oklahoma, we saw the guys begin this work. The pictured machine is called a swather here in the US. I understand that in Australia and parts of Europe it is called a windrower.
It cuts the crop--hay or grass or whatever and lays it over into windrows to dry appropriately before baling it.
The entire process is three to four weeks behind this summer. This should have been done in June but we had all that rain in May and June that slowed everything down.
It is nice to see things progressing now.
12 people like this
12 responses
@GardenGerty (160978)
• United States
20 Jul 19
Usually here as well. It is quite behind.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (160978)
• United States
23 Aug 19
@LadyDuck They were very wet for us as well.
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@LadyDuck (472087)
• Switzerland
21 Jul 19
@GardenGerty The month of May and beginning of June were colder than usual.
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@GardenGerty (160978)
• United States
22 Aug 19
Oh, they still do some small bales here. It builds good character to work hard. Around here many kids are farm and ranch kids.
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@GardenGerty (160978)
• United States
23 Aug 19
@TheHorse I think rounds are more efficient for feeding, but the others are good as well
@TheHorse (220303)
• Walnut Creek, California
22 Aug 19
@GardenGerty I'm glad to hear that. Every time I see a field full of "roundies," I utter an "oath" under my breath.
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27560)
• Philippines
17 Jul 19
This discussion is education for me. I am not privy to farming and the fields. Am always grateful though to people who prepare for my food on the table.
Admirable work. Thank you.
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@GardenGerty (160978)
• United States
20 Jul 19
This will be fed to cattle, who will then become beef for our tables. It may go to some horses as well. Someone once tried to tell me that cattle do not do well in your country, not sure about that though.
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@eileenleyva (27560)
• Philippines
20 Jul 19
@GardenGerty I used to see cows with carabaos on the fields. We had a huge volcanic eruption in 1991 that caused massive lahar flow that covered the agricultural fields. The animals were casualties,
New Zealand and Australia have climates conducive to cows. Ours is tropical weather.
@GardenGerty (160978)
• United States
20 Jul 19
We have at least two and a half more months of heat here, I think.
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@rebelann (112987)
• El Paso, Texas
20 Jul 19
Same here @GardenGerty then it'll start going down into the lower 90s.
@GardenGerty (160978)
• United States
20 Jul 19
Yes they are. Funny, looking at this picture I see a crow or hawk following along looking for mice.
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@andriaperry (117146)
• Anniston, Alabama
17 Jul 19
They cut it here every few weeks.
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@GardenGerty (160978)
• United States
20 Jul 19
It has been too wet. It is probably going to be wheat harvest next.
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@ScribbledAdNauseum (104628)
• United States
17 Jul 19
It's good to see that progress is being made, even if it is later in the season than was intended.
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@GardenGerty (160978)
• United States
20 Jul 19
We just follow along as Mother Nature allows.
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@GardenGerty (160978)
• United States
20 Jul 19
When it comes to you let me know. I only go on what others tell me. The guys told me this was a swather, wiki called it a windrower, but I bet if I read further I will learn more.
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (108244)
• Marion, Ohio
17 Jul 19
The same here. They are running behind on all of the crops.
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@GardenGerty (160978)
• United States
20 Jul 19
I have a constant source of entertainment just watching what goes on over there.
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@crazyhorseladycx (39509)
• United States
17 Jul 19
i bet they're glad the weather 'tis finally cooperatin'. hopefully such'll remain so 's 't cures.
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@GardenGerty (160978)
• United States
20 Jul 19
It got hot and dry fast. They baled it just a couple of days later.
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@RasmaSandra (80812)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
17 Jul 19
Glad they're finally able to do the work
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@GardenGerty (160978)
• United States
20 Jul 19
Me too. I worried about the tall grass when there were fireworks being shot. Usually it is cut before that.
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@GardenGerty (160978)
• United States
20 Jul 19
There are several steps involved. Next step will be to bale it, and then it will sit out in the sun a while before they bring in trucks to move it to their place.
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